San Juan Sacatepequez Faja, 1970s

Product Description

Large faja or sash from the 1970sMaya women in Guatemala weave a wide varitey of fajas (sashes and belts) for wrapping around the waist to hold up the skirt. Similarly, a wide variety of styles of cintas are woven as hair ornaments. Both are woven by hand on narrow looms made in dimensions especially for the specific item. Like huipiles, the designs are also often village-specific; though in towns such as Totonicapan and Jacaltenango, a variety of belts and hair-ties are woven for general use throughout the highlands.

This particular faja was woven in San Juan Sacatepequez for use by both its women and men. Such wide and long sashes are a signature item of clothing for these Maya weavers. This particular sash is 92 inches long (not counting the fringe) and 8 inches wide at the widest point. The foundation is cotton, and the bright brocaded designs are also 100% cotton. The ends of the sash are formed by loose warp threads. This belt was part of a collection assembled in Guatemala during the late 1970s, and appears to have been new at the time.